Hi all, after looking at the newest BG3 thread I got to wondering if there were any other games out there similar to the Baldur's Gate games. I too have tried Neverwinter Nights and did not find it that enjoyable. I have played some Icewind Dale and so far it is the only other game I have really enjoyed as I like the party aspect of the game. I have tried some soloing and generally get bored and add NPC's (thus the reason I do not care for NWN).

I hear Planescape:Torment is great although it's more dialogue focused than combat orientated. It was made by Black Isle and uses the Infinity Engine. You also control a party in that game. You may (like me) have trouble finding it now, though.

Icewind Dale II seems okay, although I haven't played it much. Really there isn't many games about like BG2 if you don't like Neverwinter Nights. Maybe the second Neverwinter Nights will be better?

The other RPG's I would recommend aren't anything like BG2 such as Dragon Quest VIII (PS2), Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne (PS2). Maybe you would like The Elder Scrolls:Oblivion?

I'd second Planescape Torment. It's nothing like soloing - the NPCs are *VERY* well done, and will talk to you, and you can talk to them.

I never exhausted conversation options with a couple of the NPCs - there is so much to go into if you want to.

The game is more story-driven than BG2. The story is very powerful, and I think I'm far from the only gamer who was actually moved to tears more than once through playing it.

After completing the game, me and my gf of the time spent literally about 10 minutes just staring at the screen...

Slipping on my published author's hat for a moment, I'd say that Planescape Torment has by far the best conceived and executed plot of any game I've ever come across - RPG or other.

Unfortunately, the writers for Icewind Dale and Neverwinter nights have been unable to come up with anything other than 'save the world from complete annihilation by a horde of monsters' as their major plot arc. BG1 and BG2 have plots of stunning originality by comparison, but they still are not in quite the same league as Torment.

It's hard to get, but I picked up a second-hand copy on eBay a year or so ago - the best £2.50 I've ever spent. It’s worth looking out for. Morte's story for Yves the Tale-Chaser made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Awww man, Wish i could find Planescape Torment...

<font color = shadowed cyan> I got a copy of that with Baldur's Gate 1 but I never played it much, is it really that good?. I think I Played for about 5 Minutes and ditched it and have never gone back. </font>

Gahh, no-one has mentioned the highly influential Ultima series, particularly Ultima's 4-7, Serpent's Isle inclusive. If you're looking for a game which is isometric like BG, optionally party and solo based, set within a large world of interactive characters with wondrous narratives, then look no further. In my opinion Ultima VII: The Black Gate practically set the benchmarks for this style of game.

Sometimes it pays to look backwards than forwards. ;)

I can also third and fourth the reccomendation for Planescape Torment. It is indeed a literary masterpiece within the confines of a digital gameworld. Immersive, emotional, thought provoking and simply compulsive playing - but is definitely much more dialogue driven, in the tradition of Ultima and not for everyone.

There's also the final infinity engine related game, Lionheart - but I can't vouch for that too much, not having played it. Many say it falls apart by the conclusion. One other that comes to mind for similarity is Arcanum, which I also haven't played yet...

Cheers,
CD

P.S:
If anyone wants an original copy of Planescape, I have one spare for a possible trade. Feel free to PM.

[ 07-28-2006, 04:13 AM: Message edited by: CerebroDragon ]

You'll struggle to find copies of Planescape Torment, and the Ultima games even more so (I'd add recommendations of Ultima Underworlds I and II and highlight Ultima 7 parts I and II as the pinnacle of the Ultima games, myself).

Ebay is probably your answer here.

It really is that good. Going is a little slow at first - give yourself an hour or so at it, give it a while to get its teeth into you, because it's slower than BG. You are doing yourself a great injustice if you don't give PS:T a chance.

bards tale although i heard it isnt that nice.